Keto Bagels: A Low-Carb Delight with Everything Bagel Seasoning
Bagels and lox are a classic combination that many people love, but traditional bagels can be high in carbs and not suitable for a ketogenic diet. This keto bagel recipe is a game-changer for those who want to enjoy the deliciousness of bagels without the carbs. With a chewy texture and rich flavor, these keto bagels are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying snack.
Introduction to Keto Bagels
The keto diet emphasizes low-carb, high-fat foods, making traditional bread products a no-go for those adhering to it. However, these keto bagels provide a satisfying alternative that’s both low in carbs and high in flavor. Made primarily from almond flour and cheese, these bagels are dense, chewy, and perfect for pairing with your favorite toppings, such as lox and cream cheese.
Why Choose Keto Bagels?
Keto bagels are an excellent choice for anyone looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake while still enjoying their favorite foods. They offer a delicious and satisfying alternative to traditional bagels, making them ideal for those on a ketogenic diet, diabetics, or anyone who wants to cut down on refined carbs and sugars. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized with various toppings and flavors.
Ingredients and Their Benefits
Almond Flour
- Quantity: 1 ½ cups
- Benefits: Almond flour is low in carbs and high in healthy fats and protein, making it an excellent choice for keto baking. It also adds a slightly nutty flavor and helps create a dense, satisfying texture.
Gluten-Free Baking Powder
- Quantity: 1 tablespoon
- Benefits: Baking powder helps the bagels rise and become light and fluffy. Ensure it’s gluten-free to keep the recipe keto-friendly.
Xanthan Gum
- Quantity: ½ teaspoon
- Benefits: Xanthan gum acts as a binding agent, providing elasticity to the dough and helping it hold together, which is crucial for gluten-free baking.
Mozzarella Cheese
- Quantity: 2 ½ cups, shredded
- Benefits: Mozzarella cheese adds a rich, creamy flavor and helps bind the dough together. It’s also high in protein and low in carbs, making it perfect for keto recipes.
Cream Cheese
- Quantity: 3 ounces, cubed
- Benefits: Cream cheese adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor. It’s also rich in fats, making it an excellent choice for a high-fat, low-carb diet.
Eggs
- Quantity: 2 free-range eggs, beaten, plus 1 for egg wash
- Benefits: Eggs provide structure and help bind the ingredients together. They’re also a great source of protein and healthy fats.
Everything Bagel Seasoning
- Quantity: 2 tablespoons
- Benefits: This seasoning blend adds a burst of flavor with a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt. It’s a classic bagel topping that gives these keto bagels an authentic taste.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the bagels from sticking. Gather all your ingredients and measure them out to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Step 2: Combine Cheese Ingredients
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese and cubed cream cheese. Microwave the mixture for 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. At the end of the microwaving time, stir the mixture again until the cheeses are well incorporated and smooth. This melted cheese mixture will act as the base for your dough, providing both flavor and structure.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, gluten-free baking powder, and xanthan gum. Stir well to ensure that the baking powder and xanthan gum are evenly distributed throughout the almond flour. This dry mixture will provide the bulk of the bagel dough.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the beaten eggs to the dry mixture, stirring to combine. Then, add the cheese mixture to the flour mixture. Stir as best you can; the dough will be sticky and challenging to mix.
Step 5: Knead the Dough
To make the dough easier to handle, wet your hands to prevent sticking, and begin kneading the dough directly in the bowl. Continue kneading until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, and you have a smooth, cohesive dough.
Step 6: Shape the Bagels
Divide the dough into eight equal parts. Shape each part into a ball, then poke a hole in the middle of each ball to form a bagel shape. Place the bagels on the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for expansion during baking.
Step 7: Apply Egg Wash and Toppings
In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg to create an egg wash. Brush the top of each bagel with the egg wash to give them a glossy finish and help the seasoning adhere. Sprinkle each bagel generously with Everything Bagel seasoning or any other keto-friendly toppings of your choice.
Step 8: Bake the Bagels
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the bagels for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and firm to the touch. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake. Once done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information and Benefits
Each keto bagel is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that fit perfectly into a ketogenic diet. Here’s a nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 388
- Fat: 31.7g
- Total Carbs: 8.2g
- Fiber: 3.5g
- Net Carbs: 4.7g
- Protein: 20.4g
These bagels are high in healthy fats, moderate in protein, and low in carbs, making them an excellent option for maintaining ketosis. They also provide essential vitamins and minerals from the almond flour and cheese, supporting overall health and well-being.
Tips for the Perfect Keto Bagels
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella and cream cheese will melt better and combine more smoothly, resulting in a more cohesive dough.
- Work Quickly: The dough can become sticky as it cools, so work quickly when shaping the bagels to ensure they hold their shape.
- Customize Toppings: While Everything Bagel seasoning is a classic choice, you can customize your bagels with other keto-friendly toppings such as sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Storage Tips: Store leftover bagels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage; simply thaw and reheat in the oven or toaster when ready to eat.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try adding herbs, spices, or different cheeses to the dough to create a variety of bagel flavors that suit your taste preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of flour? While almond flour is preferred for keto recipes due to its low carb content, you can experiment with other low-carb flours like coconut flour. Note that different flours may require adjustments to the liquid ingredients.
- Can I make these bagels dairy-free? Yes, you can try using dairy-free cheese alternatives and dairy-free cream cheese. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may differ slightly.
- What’s the best way to reheat these bagels? For the best texture, reheat the bagels in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also toast them for a crispier texture.
- Can I add sweetener to the dough? If you prefer a sweeter bagel, you can add a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia to the dough. This is especially good if you plan to use the bagels for sweet toppings or spreads.
- How can I make these bagels fluffier? Ensure that your baking powder is fresh and properly mixed into the dry ingredients. You can also add a little more baking powder to give the bagels a lighter texture.
Conclusion
Keto bagels are a delicious and versatile addition to any low-carb diet. They offer the satisfying texture and flavor of traditional bagels without the high carb content. Whether you enjoy them plain, topped with lox and cream cheese, or with your favorite keto-friendly spread, these bagels are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the simplicity and health benefits of these keto bagels and take pleasure in knowing that you can still enjoy your favorite foods while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.